Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates shared the points after a 1-1 draw in their sold-out Betway Premiership encounter at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane on Saturday afternoon.
This sold-out affair had 43,000 tickets sold a day before the game could take place.
Miguel Cardoso’s troops started the mouthwatering contest on the front foot, giving Pirates a hard time in the opening minutes of the game. There was not much possession for the visitors, as they had limited play in the Sundowns’ half through committed pressing.
However, Pirates were never discouraged. The Buccaneers started to threaten the hosts as Deon Hotto found Evidence Makgopa, whose shot sailed over the crossbar.
As the half progressed, the home side couldn’t capitalise on their clear-cut opportunities.
However, in the 20th minute, Peter Shalulile showed why he is the PSL’s all-time leading goal-scorer, breaking the deadlock for Masandawana.
The Chloorkop-based outfit remained disciplined at the back, not allowing the Soweto giants to do as they pleased.
Sadly, Bafana Ba Style’s discipline at the back did not last long, as Camren Dansin scored a spectacular goal for Pirates from outside the box to level terms in the 35th minute of the game.
In the first half’s stoppage time, Deon Hotto took a shot behind Sundowns’ defence, but his volley went over the crossbar.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AND ORLANDO PIRATES LEVEL AT HALF-TIME
After an entertaining first period, the showpiece went into the half-time break with the Brazilians and Pirates each having scored a goal.
In the second stanza, the Sea Robbers upped the ante, taking command of the match in the hope of adding to the scoreline.
Meanwhile, the Betway Premiership defending champions put in a resilient defensive performance to deny the efforts of the Pirates’ attackers.
The final whistle blew with Sundowns and Orlando settling for a 1-1 draw.
Currently, Masandawana remain at the summit of the Betway Premiership log standings with 22 points after 11 games.
On the other hand, Pirates leapfrog Kaizer Chiefs into third position on goal difference. Both sides have accumulated 19 points thus far.
RELATED STORY: Cardoso challenges PSL to support Sundowns’ Champions League chase